Men and boys in Burera district are being encouraged to participate in the circumcision drive in a bid to prevent HIV/AIDS and other Sexual Transmitted Diseases.

Circumcision beneficiaries line up for blood testing

The Army Week Program officially started the circumcision with using the ring technique on Monday June 23rd, 2014 in Cyanika Health Center. The project will also test people’s HIV/AIDS statuses for the next two weeks.

Men on the queue waiting to be circumcised

Men who are participating in this program are grateful for getting circumcision services nearby for free.

Dr. Leon Ngeruka who is carrying out circumcision says that it reduces the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs by 60 percent and increases hygiene.

“Circumcised men also have the advantage of protecting their sexual partners from cervical cancer,” explains Dr. Leon Ngeruka.

The circumcision using a ring is explained to be the most effective and painless method used on males above 18 years of age. The ring is put on the male organ for a week to remove the foreskin and when it is removed, the organ is covered for 2 days and one is ready to go on with their normal life.

Putting on the ring on the male organ does not stop a person from doing his daily activities including farming, driving or playing sports as long as the ring does not slip-off.

A man who is circumcised with the ring is prohibited from having sexual intercourse for at least three weeks at most and he is advised to use protection to heal properly.

Major Angelus Mugenzi the coordinator of Army Week health Projects said the program will not only engage on circumcision and testing HIV/AIDS but will involve other projects such as treating eye diseases and chronic diseases.